Techniques and recommendations to preserve weed

Harvesting the crop could seem like the culmination to the detailed and constant work carried out for months. This false belief comes from not being aware of the tasks that await afterwards; such as manicuring, drying and curing the cannabis buds. The objective is to boost the aromas, flavors and effects of each variety. Once buds are perfectly dry and cured, it’s time to retain their main organoleptic properties for as long as possible. With this article, GB The Green Brand would like to explain the basic parameters, recommendations and technique on the best way to preserve weed.

After the harvest: drying, curing and preserving weed

Marijuana has to undergo certain processes after its harvest in order to maximize its amazing organoleptic properties and effects. First step is to realize if plants are ready for trimming by observing their aspect, size, color of their trichomes and resin levels. Afterwards, the grower has to continue with the next processes: manicuring, drying and drying the buds.

Manicuring can also take place after drying the buds; although it is generally done beforehand, especially if relative humidity is over 60%. Doing it afterwards can result in denser buds, but obtaining great quality cannabis material will take longer. First of all, you’ll need a thin pointed scissors, trays and a pair of gloves to separate the manicured material.

Afterwards, it is time to dry the weed. This task requires patience as rushing could affect the final result negatively. During this process, excess humidity should reduce from 75% down to 15% in just two or three weeks. The buds have to dry in a 20 ºC dark, fresh and dark room with relative humidity close to 50%.

Lastly comes the curing process, which is even more important as it’s the start of cannabis conservation. You’ll need airtight glass containers to introduce the dry buds. Do not fill the containers more than 75% of their capacity, leaving a bit of air on the top. Open the lids daily during the first week, and every few days over the following weeks.

Best way to preserve weed: perfect parameters

The buds have to be in a fresh room with temperatures ranging between 20 and 25 ºC. The area should also be dry and dark, therefore it’s important to keep hygrometer values and sun exposition under control. If we manage to meet those parameters, cannabinoids and terpenes won’t degrade. Neither will they suffer decarboxylation, unless they suffer lower temperatures.

Relative humidity should be set at around 60% for organoleptic properties to remain as intact as possible. Doing so will prevent fungi infestations like grey mold, mildew or oidium, among other pathogens. The containers shouldn’t be exposed to the sun at all; UV rays could diminish terpene and cannabinoid content, speeding up their degradation.

Make sure the room where the containers are is clean, in order to provide weed buds with the best preserving conditions. Proper sanitation of the room is essential for safe storage. Cleaning furniture and washing the floor every time someone enters the room to observe or manipulate the buds could make a difference.

Glass airtight containers to preserve weed

Without a doubt, the best way to store marijuana is by using airtight glass containers, such as a glass jar with a bayonet lid or an airtight Pyrex container. We have to choose a container that adapts best to buds size. Be aware that it’s important to not leave too much air inside; it could over dry them. Avoid crushing them , as it could lead to resin loss.

[ppgbo products=”4173,7711″ language=”en”]

The lid has to turn at least three times to ensure proper air-tightness. The containers have to be in a dark room. Another option is to use opaque recipients that prevent light from reaching the cured flowers. Take extra caution to avoid fungi proliferation; remove the infected material before it can spread to the rest of the content.

Do not use plastic containers. This material could promote THC degradation, its conversion to CBN and the loss of the main organoleptic properties.

More advice on cannabis preservation

Marijuana can last for various months or even years. However, it reaches its best moment after 5 or 6 months. In this regard, there are specific plastic bags to vacuum pack the flowers; which remove humid excess and reduce existent oxygen. This technique is very popular among commercial growers, who prioritize space saving and a comfortable and easy transport.

Cannabis buds can also be preserved in special cedar wooden boxes destined to cure buds; this type of wood is less porous and perfect for this task. You can also purchase wooden boxes with a hygrometer to control humidity levels more efficiently. They are often used for only a short space of time but it’s worth knowing that wood scents can improve cannabis scents and flavors.

Paradoxically, there is an ongoing heated debate regarding freezing buds as a conservation method. Some growers believe that freezing buds compromises their quality but you can preserve frozen buds for 1-2 years; as long as it’s done carefully and without excessive manipulation. Obviously, they’ll last longer but their organoleptic qualities and effects will diminish.

Patience and precision to preserve weed

As you have probably realized after reading this article, preserving weed is at the same level as wine conservation. It’s important to be patient and not rush the drying and curing process by making sure buds are under the necessary parameters to achieve the highest quality. Preserving weed properly is very important in order to retain the desired organoleptic properties and effects.